The Eastern Conference semifinals have been far from perfect for the Miami Heat.

And the reigning NBA champions are now in absolute control of this series nonetheless.

Barely a week ago, there was so much talk about how the Chicago Bulls had Miami’s number like no other team. That seems long forgotten now, after three straight wins — by an average of 23.3 points — have the Heat one win away from returning to the East finals. Up 3-1 in the series, the Heat will try to close out the Bulls in Game 5 at Miami on Wednesday night.

“You have to have a high-character team,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Tuesday, a few hours after his team returned from Chicago after an 88-65 rout in Game 4 of the suddenly one-sided series. “You have to have a team that’s built strong habits … not to take games for granted. Our guys have built up habits. They also have built up perspective that boy, these close-out games have been the toughest ones.”

When Miami gets a chance to finish off an opponent, it typically doesn’t waste any time. Since James, Wade and Chris Bosh joined up, the Heat are 8-2 in games where they can clinch a series, winning each of their last five by double figures.

Given the way this series is going, it’s not hard to envision Wednesday ending the same way.

“Got to take care of business,” Bosh said.

Earlier today on The Charlie Bernstein Show, Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld.com talked to Charlie about all things NBA. Steve talked about the Indiana Pacers and how they could cause matchup problems for the Miami Heat should both teams meet in the Eastern Conference Finals. Steve also talked about the other NBA Playoff matchups.

The Charlie Bernstein Show comes to you live Monday through Friday 3pm – 7pm from the Culpepper | Kurland Sports Talk 1040 Studios in Tampa.